Ron the Greek sold to Middle Eastern interests

Ron the Greek, a three-time Grade 1 winner and earner of more than $2.7 million, has been sold to foreign interests and is expected to remain in training for at least the early part of 2014, with possible targets including the King’s Cup in Saudi Arabia in February and/or the Dubai World Cup in March.

Adam Wachtel, who was the majority owner of Ron the Greek for the past two years, confirmed that he did sell the horse to Middle Eastern interests. Though he couldn’t confirm who the new owner is, other sources confirmed the horse will be owned by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the ruler of Saudi Arabia.

Ron the Greek is currently doing a quarantine period at Payson Park, trainer Bill Mott confirmed. On Dec. 8, Ron the Greek worked four furlongs in 50.40 seconds.

“It is my understanding he is leaving any day for Saudi Arabia,” Wachtel said.

The King’s Cup is typically held in February, while the Dubai World Cup is scheduled for March 29 at Meydan.

Wachtel did say that neither he nor any of his partners retained an interest in Ron the Greek.

Ron the Greek, a 6-year-old son of Full Mandate, upset the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park on Sept. 28 and was training sensationally thereafter leading up to the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita. But Ron the Greek had to be scratched a few days before the race after sustaining a quarter crack.

In addition to the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Ron the Greek won the Grade 1 Stephen Foster and Grade 1 Santa Anita handicaps in 2012. Other stakes victories recorded by Ron the Greek included the Sunshine Millions Classic and Queens County in 2011, and the Grade 3 Lecomte in 2010 when trained by Tom Amoss.